16 Day Mountains, Lakes and Fiords

Starting From NZD $4,523
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We Tour NZ > Tours > 16 Day Mountains, Lakes and Fiords

This tour of New Zealand visits unique geothermal Rotorua, the mighty Southern Alps, stunning Queenstown, Milford Sound, the Tongariro National Park, Capital city of Wellington and breathtaking Mount Cook.

Tour Highlights

  • Auckland Sky Tower
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Maori Hangi Dinner & cultural show
  • TSS Earnslaw lake and dinner cruise
  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Larnach Castle tour

Tour Itinerary

Motel, 3 Star Hotel or 4 Star Hotel Accommodation Options
We can tailor this tour to include an accommodation style to suit you, choose from Motel, 3 Star Hotel or 4 Star Hotel Accommodation.
1
Arrive Auckland
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
As you arrive in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, we will meet you and transport you to your hotel. Auckland is set on two large harbours making it easy to understand why it is often referred to as the City of Sails. Dominating Auckland’s skyline is the iconic Sky Tower that has spectacular views over the city, out to the Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes and across the greater Hauraki Gulf. After freshening up, you can take a trip up the Auckland Sky Tower, this is a great way to get an overview of the city. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this beautiful city.
Auckland Sky Tower
The iconic Sky Tower has stood tall at 328 metres, owning Auckland’s skyline for over 20 years. It’s an exciting hub of adrenaline activities, sky-high events, superb dining and breath-taking views.
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2
Auckland – Matamata – Rotorua, 227km | 141mi, 3 hours drive time
Day 2
Auckland – Matamata – Rotorua, 227km | 141mi, 3 hours drive time
After breakfast, depart Auckland City heading South along Auckland’s Southern Motorway. Once you traverse the Bombay Hills you have officially left Auckland and are entering into the Waikato region. The Waikato is the fourth largest region in New Zealand, and is a lush green region well known for dairy farming. It was these pastures that helped it get chosen to play The Shire™ in The Lord of the Rings™ and The Hobbit Trilogy™. Southwest the rural town of Matamata, the Hobbiton Movie Set was created for Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” films. Here you have the opportunity to visit the movie set. From here continue South, along the Thermal Explorer Highway, through gently rolling hills and pastureland as you see the vista open up to glimpse the beautiful Lake Rotorua ahead which will be your home for the next two nights. Tonight experience a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and cultural show.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Experience the real Middle-Earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Step into the lush pastures of the Shire™ — as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies — in NZ's Waikato region.
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Māori Hangi & Cultural Performance
This is a special Māori cultural experience where you get to partake in Māori culture, experience a cultural show and traditional Māori hangi dinner.  Traditionally, Māori people cooked in earth ovens called ‘hāngī'. 
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3
Rotorua
Day 3
Rotorua
Today is yours at leisure in Rotorua, this city is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools which is well worth visiting. There are a number of activities today in this interesting geothermal city – we can help you find something to suit you or select from the list below.
Skyline Gondola Rotorua - Suggested addition
Conveniently located just minutes from Rotorua's City centre, high on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, the Gondola will carry you to 487 metres above sea level to a stunning environment providing panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area.
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Te Puia Thermal Mud Pools & Geysers - Suggested Addition
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands near Rotorua at Te Puia. See dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush.
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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Suggested Addition
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of geothermal activity.
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Agrodome - Suggested Addition
The world-renowned Agrodome farm show is a must on any visit to Rotorua.  It is set in 350-acres of lush farmland, only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre.
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4
Rotorua – Taupo-Tongariro 180km | 111mi, 2 hours 30 minutes driving time
Day 4
Rotorua – Taupo-Tongariro 180km | 111mi, 2 hours 30 minutes driving time
After a relaxing morning, you can depart Rotorua at your leisure making the short drive to Taupō. The vast waters of Lake Taupō, a volcanic caldera, drain into the Huka Falls, dramatic, crystal-blue cascades reachable by hiking and biking trails, it is well worth stopping for a look as head into Taupō, the town is a great spot to stop and have a rest and enjoy the views. Before departing to take a scenic drive around the Southern side of the lake, through Turangi and into the Tongariro National Park. Centred upon three volcanoes –Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu –Tongariro National Park is home to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes. The 80,000-hectare park is a spectacular showcase of volcanic wonders including emerald lakes, old lava flows, steaming craters, colourful silica terraces and peculiar alpine gardens. It is an environment of staggering beauty and diversity. It can be explored with a number of hikes, one of the most well known being the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We can add in a day to and add this full day hike (9 hours plus) for you or arrange a shorter half day or sunset walk.
Sunset Guided Walk - Suggested Addition
This is a superb way of experiencing the Tongariro National Park and enjoying this stunning time of day. This fantastic evening option is ideally suited for to maximise a travel day to or from Tongariro National Park. This walk is also great for those who would like to experience the volcanic terrain but have limited time or fitness for the more strenuous full day treks. The sunset tour is an easy 2 hours in amongst the Tongariro Volcanoes.
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5
Tongariro-Wellington 324km | 201mi, 4 hours driving time
Day 5
Tongariro-Wellington 324km | 201mi, 4 hours driving time
Departing the Tongariro National Park, continue your journey south through the Manawatu region. Packed with rural charm, this region is an ideal place to immerse yourself in rural New Zealand culture. Taihape celebrates the humble gumboot with its iconic giant gumboot sculpture made out of corrugated iron and number eight wire. Pause in the town of Bulls to check out the cafes, pubs, antique shops & humorous bull signs (look for 'Relieve-a-bull' if you're after the toilet)! From here you follow the West Coast of the North Island down through Paraparaumu and onto Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital City and the seat of parliament. In this thriving city you can wander through hidden laneways to discover street art and follow the sculpture walks along Wellington's waterfront. Discover the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand in world-class museums and galleries – the interactive and immersive national museum, Te Papa, is highly recommended. Or you might opt to ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for amazing views of the city.
6
Wellington-Picton-Blenheim, 28km | 17mi, 26 minutes driving time (excluding ferry crossing)
Day 6
Wellington-Picton-Blenheim, 28km | 17mi, 26 minutes driving time (excluding ferry crossing)
This morning board the Interisland Ferry for your journey across Cook Strait. This is often considered one of the world’s most beautiful ferry journeys between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. The journey includes a cruise through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, with 1500km of New Zealand's coastline, the Marlborough Sounds is a collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. The area has three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds. The ferry cruises through the Queen Charlotte Sound and into Picton. On arrival into Picton take the short drive to Blenheim, situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough Blenheim is known as a gateway to the wineries of the Wairau Valley to the west.
7
Blenheim-Christchurch 309km | 192mi, 4 hours driving time
Day 7
Blenheim-Christchurch 309km | 192mi, 4 hours driving time
This morning begin your journey to Kaikoura which starts by travelling inland and then becomes one of the most spectacular coastal road trips as you follow the coastline to Kaikoura. The picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura is renowned for it’s marine life, beautiful coastal walks and of course the delicious seafood including crayfish/lobster. A great place to stop for lunch. This afternoon drive to Christchurch.
8
Christchurch to Mackenzie Country/Mt Cook 330km | 205mi, 4 hours 15 minutes drive time
Day 8
Christchurch to Mackenzie Country/Mt Cook 330km | 205mi, 4 hours 15 minutes drive time
This morning depart Christchurch, heading South through the outlying towns of Rolleston and Dunsandel and cross the Rakaia River. The Rakaia Bridge is New Zealand's longest road bridge at 1.8km long and crosses the Rakaia River, one of Canterbury's large braided rivers. Not far from here you begin to head inland, through the beautiful town of Geraldine, Fairle and Burkes Pass before arriving at the stunning turquoise-blue Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie region. Here you can see the Church of the Good Shepard set against a stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps. Tonight, you will stay in the Mackenzie Region for the night.
9
Mt Cook/Mackenzie Country – Queenstown 262km | 163mi, 3 hours 20 minutes driving time
Day 9
Mt Cook/Mackenzie Country – Queenstown 262km | 163mi, 3 hours 20 minutes driving time
Spend the morning exploring the Mt Cook area, you may choose to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre which showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. Then depart the Mackenzie region heading south through the dramatic Lindis Pass which links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. For many months of the year, you can expect to see snow in this mountainous area, here snow tussock grassland dominates the landscape of this undulating terrain. Your journey continues on through the once Gold Mining and now stone fruit growing town of Cromwell, set on the shores of Lake Dunstan. From here continue through the wine growing region of Gibbston Valley notable for it’s Pinot Noir, through historic Arrowtown and onto the alpine playground of Queenstown.
10
Queenstown – Day at leisure
Day 10
Queenstown – Day at leisure
Today is yours to explore this beautiful lakeside town, with it’s towering mountains and majestic natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. There’s adventure activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. Queenstown is also a renowned cycling destination, providing everything from easy scenic tracks to backcountry trails, road rides to heli-biking and the Southern Hemisphere’s only gondola accessed downhill mountain biking. Or if a slower pace appeals, experience one of the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine. This evening enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship to Walter Peak Station where you will enjoy a BBQ dinner and entertainment.
Skyline Gondola Queenstown - Suggested Addition
The iconic Skyline Gondola gives you the opportunity to take in stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere.  You’ll be carried 480 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak to enjoy a spectacular 220 degree panorama.
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Dart River Safari - Suggested Addition
The Dart River Safari jetboat experience is an exhilarating and spectacular journey through iconic landscapes. The landscapes in the Dart River Valley are nothing short of awe-inspiring. And you'll learn about the area as you travel past snow-capped mountain peaks, crystal clear waterways and lush ancient native beech forests. 
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Lakes District Museum - Suggested Addition
Arrowtown's Lakes District Museum was established in 1948 as a Centennial of Otago project. Appropriately set in the former gold mining town, the museum started life in the billiard rooms of the Ballarat Hotel. It then shifted to the current home, the former Bank of New Zealand building, in 1955.
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Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
The TSS Earnslaw offers one of the best ways to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship taking in the views at a leisurely pace.
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11
Queenstown – Day at leisure
Day 11
Queenstown – Day at leisure
Another day in this alpine paradise to enjoy – because quite simply one day isn’t enough! You might like to choose from one of the Suggested Sightseeing Additions below.
Boutique Winery Tour Queenstown - Suggested Addition
A boutique winery tour is a wonderful way to explore the vineyards of Gibbston Valley, near Queenstown. Famous for their world-class pinot noir, the vineyards you will visit are set in the truly breathtaking scenery of an alpine valley.
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4WD Safari of the Scenes - Suggested Addition
The Queenstown region features prominently in the incredibly popular Lord of the Rings trilogy. And Nomad Safaris' "The Safari of the Scenes Tour" combines a true 4WD tour with film locations from the LOTR trilogy.
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Shotover Jet - Suggested Addition
This thrilling jetboat ride takes you through the spectacular shotover canyons near Queenstown. See the canyons' beauty and feel their power on the world’s most exciting jet boat ride. A unique combination of beauty and power, the Shotover Jet is an experience like no other.
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12
Queenstown-Milford Sound-Te Anau 406km | 252mi, 5 hours 20 minutes driving time
Day 12
Queenstown-Milford Sound-Te Anau 406km | 252mi, 5 hours 20 minutes driving time
This morning depart Queenstown, head along Lake Wakatipu through the towns of Kingston, and Mossburn and onto Te Anau. Here is a great spot to stop for morning tea and stretch the legs before continuing on to Milford Sound. This part of your journey today offers a stunning range of scenery, from lush beech forest and vast valleys to mirror-like lakes, towering mountains and impressive feats of roading engineering. While the final reward is the breathtaking vista of Milford Sound, the Milford Road delivers a journey which is every bit as impressive as the destination. Enjoy a Cruise on Milford Sound where you can get close to the stunning nature of this area, from thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains and lush rainforests soak up this pristine slice of New Zealand. After your cruise return to Te Anau where you spend the night.
Milford Sound Cruise
Cruise Milford Sound, the most well-known and accessible of all the fiords in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. Its 16 kilometre (14 nautical miles) length is lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more from the water. 
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13
Te Anau-Dunedin 287 km | 178mi, 3 hours 30 minutes driving time
Day 13
Te Anau-Dunedin 287 km | 178mi, 3 hours 30 minutes driving time
This morning after a leisurely start in Te Anau, your journey crosses the bottom part of the South Island taking you to Dunedin. As one of New Zealand’s first three cities, Dunedin was built on the riches of the gold rush, and this legacy lives on in one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the southern hemisphere. Gothic church spires, ornate mansions, grand buildings, intriguing alleyways and picturesque gardens are woven through the central city, which is full of bustling cafes, shopping boutiques and outstanding street art. There is a wide range of public and privately run art galleries and this city is the only UNESCO Creative City of Literature in New Zealand. It was the homne of many of the country’s most celebrated authors and is today a University City home to the Otago University.
14
Dunedin – day at leisure
Day 14
Dunedin – day at leisure
Today is yours to explore Dunedin and in particular the Otago Peninsula, flanking the southern edge of Dunedin's extensive harbour, Otago Peninsula is high and rugged on the ocean side; warm and sheltered on the harbour side. Volcanic in origin, the peninsula is part of the crater wall of a large, long-extinct volcano. As a scenic drive, Otago Peninsula is spectacular. Beginning at Vauxhall, you can follow the coastal road past small settlements and beaches to Taiaroa Head, where there's an albatross colony. Other attractions near Taiaroa Head include the fur seals at Pilots Beach and sea lions on Te Rauone Beach. Visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only Castle, offers an insight into Victorian Culture. Built from 1871, by William Larnach, Merchant Banker and Politician, Larnach Castle showcases master craftsmanship, New Zealand Antiques and the style of Victorian living. Learn about Larnach's three wives, six children... and eventual scandalous suicide in Parliament Buildings. Beautifully restored and interestingly interpreted by the Barker family who have owned and cared for the Castle since 1967.
Larnach Castle
Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, a short distance from Dunedin, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell. Then master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior.
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15
Dunedin-Oamaru 113km | 70mi, 1 hour 30 minutes driving time
Day 15
Dunedin-Oamaru 113km | 70mi, 1 hour 30 minutes driving time
Depart Dunedin this morning and head north up the East Coast of the South Island, to the small fishing village of Moeraki. Moeraki is now most famous for its boulders; mysteriously spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high. Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago. From here continue your journey North to Oamaru which has a rich history that can be explored in the Victorian precinct where you will find galleries and traditional crafts housed within some of the South hemispheres most complete Victorian streetscapes and architecture.
16
Oamaru-Christchurch 247km | 153mi, 3 hours 20 minutes driving time
Day 16
Oamaru-Christchurch 247km | 153mi, 3 hours 20 minutes driving time
This morning spend some time to explore Oamaru, in the Victorian precinct there is the wonderful world of Steampunk. Visit Steampunk HQ which is a unique museum of art, sound & light showing an altered universe set within an 1880's Grain Elevator building in Oamaru. Featuring The Portal, a retro-futuristic mirror and lighting installation with original glowing light sculptures. After a morning of exploring Oamaru, continue your journey North up the East Coast to Christchurch.

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Inclusions

  • Rental Car 15 day hire
  • 15 nights accommodation
  • Auckland Sky Tower
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Maori Hangi Dinner & cultural show
  • TSS Earnslaw lake and dinner cruise
  • Milford Sound Cruise

Visited Locations

  • Christchurch
    Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
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  • Aoraki Mount Cook
    Aoraki / Mount Cook, standing at 3,724 metres, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is  located within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
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  • Queenstown
    Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
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  • Milford Sound
    Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world", Milford Sound is a stunning fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island.
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  • Te Anau
    A two hour drive from Queenstown, Te Anau is a Southland town. A pretty lakeside town, it’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.
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  • Dunedin
    Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South', Dunedin is a city that wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The small city boasts some eye-catching architecture and is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
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  • Oamaru
    South Island town, Oamaru is North Otago's largest town. It is well known for remarkable geological formations, local stone, wildlife, and its unique history and historical buildings.
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  • Blenheim
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  • Auckland
    Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. 'The City of Sails' is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
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  • Rotorua
    Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
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  • Tongariro National Park
    Tongariro National Park is situated in the middle of the North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers almost 80,000 hectares of awe-inspiring landscapes.
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  • Wellington
    Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Straight, which divides the North and South Islands.  Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington".
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Attractions

  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
    The TSS Earnslaw offers one of the best ways to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship taking in the views at a leisurely pace.
    Read more
  • Milford Sound Cruise
    Cruise Milford Sound, the most well-known and accessible of all the fiords in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. Its 16 kilometre (14 nautical miles) length is lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more from the water. 
    Read more
  • Larnach Castle
    Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, a short distance from Dunedin, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell. Then master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior.
    Read more
  • Auckland Sky Tower
    The iconic Sky Tower has stood tall at 328 metres, owning Auckland’s skyline for over 20 years. It’s an exciting hub of adrenaline activities, sky-high events, superb dining and breath-taking views.
    Read more
  • Māori Hangi & Cultural Performance
    This is a special Māori cultural experience where you get to partake in Māori culture, experience a cultural show and traditional Māori hangi dinner.  Traditionally, Māori people cooked in earth ovens called ‘hāngī'. 
    Read more
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
    Experience the real Middle-Earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Step into the lush pastures of the Shire™ — as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies — in NZ's Waikato region.
    Read more

Available Dates

Dates Price per person
16 Day Mountains, Lakes and Fiords
Days
16
Price from
NZD $4,523 per person share twin (low season)
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